SMC Asia Car Distributors, stewards for the BMW brand here in the Philippines recently launched the all-new G87 generation BMW M2 coupe at Karrera Showroom in Alabang with two variants: the M2 Pure and M2 Carbon.
The G87 is built atop BMW Group’s very versatile CLAR modular platform that uses a mix of steel, aluminum, and even optional carbon-fiber. Designed for RWD and AWD, it can accommodate transverse-mounted internal combustion engines, a hybrid system and even a pure EV powertrain.
The G87 M2 grows in every direction versus its predecessor, with a 53mm longer wheelbase for added stability, a 100mm increased overall length and 33mm wider. It now measures in at 4,580mm length, 1,887mm width, and 1,403mm height with a 2,747mm wheelbase. This increased dimensions should give the new M2 better overall stability on both the race track and on public roads.
Sadly, it gains significant weight, from 215kg for the optional 6-speed manual, to 250kg for the standard 8-speed Steptronic with M Drivelogic automatic transmission as compared to its predecessor. A limited slip M Sport differential aids both handling and traction.
To help overcome the added weight, the G87 M2 comes with BMW’s venerable S58B30T0 inline-six cylinder Twin Power Turbo engine, developing a stout 460bhp (up 90bhp from the previous model) and an impressive 550 Newton-Meters of torque driving the rear wheels exclusively. It helps the M2 sprint from rest to 100kmh in 4.3 seconds for the automatic, and 4.7 seconds for the optional manual.
It’s appended by BMW’s M Adaptive Suspension and massive multi-piston BMW M brakes all-around, ensuring that it has the footwork to match the explosive power. Lastly, double staggered wheels, measuring 19 inches up front on massive 275 width tires and 285 rears give oodles of mechanical grip.
The G82 M7 is also blockier, chunkier than its predecessor, with very squared-off lines all around. The kidney grill thankfully remains more universally acceptable in size, while the rear end gets a futuristic, Stormtrooper look ala Star Wars.
Inside, you get BMW’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the BMW iDrive running BMW OS8 which allow for additional vehicle customization on its massive 14.9-inch control display. The 12.3-inch information display also features BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus in lieu of a traditional mechanical instrument cluster, fast becoming the norm for all BMW’s.
Two M switches on the steering wheel access pre-programmed settings for the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, plus all the driver-aid modes, configurable from the setup button located at the center console.
For the hooligan inside us all, the M2 also comes with a Drift Analyzer software which grades your lateral performance.
The interior door sidings come with a pixelated version of the M badge on stitched material. LED mood lighting throughout the cabin creates the right vibe, along with a dark M fabric headliner in Anthracite. Triple-zone climate control, automatic rearview mirrors, plus a wireless charging pad for your phone round out the interior for both variants.
The M2 Pure comes with Alcantara and Sensatec faux leather upholstery along with aluminum rhombic trim accents and blue stitching. The more comfort-oriented seats have 12-way manual controls, perfect for stretching the M2’s GT legs.
The aptly named and more expensive Carbon variant comes with electrically adjustable body-hugging M carbon fiber bucket seats upholstered in Merino leather
Carbon trim for the dash and the center console—plus a carbon-fiber insert on the bottom of your steering wheel— all remind you of why this is in fact called the Carbon variant.
The carbon-fiber roof—part of the M Race Track package— sheds additional weight up top. You also get a Harman Kardon audio upgrade, and an M Driver’s Package that bumps up the Carbon’s top speed to 290km/h versus the Pure’s 250km/h.
No prestige vehicle is complete without a plethora of driver aids. BMW’s Driving Assistant gives parking assistance, front and rear collision warning, lane-departure warning, cross-traffic warning, and cruise control with braking function. Automatic headlights and wipers come standard, as well.
The G87 BMW M2 Pure is available for P5,990,000, and the Carbon goes for P8,890,000. Both variants are available in Alpine White, Zandvoort Blue (exclusive to the M2), M Brooklyn Gray, Black Sapphire, and M Toronto Red.
Seeing that the previous F87 model was a success for BMW with 150 units sold, the G87 M2 looks to be another smash hit!
